𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐀! 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐥𝐬

ᴛᴡᴇɴᴛʏ ᴏɴᴇ

Sticking It To The Monarchy

"Pass the salad, please," Wilhelm asked, his hand outstretched and waiting. Aurelia obeyed quickly, handing over the clear dish of salad over the table. Evangeline took her place at the table as she placed the garlic bread down, Simon reaching for it immediately.

"How's the therapy going? You have another appointment soon, yeah?" Evangeline asked Aurelia, as she dished up herself some of the potato bake Aurelia had whipped up.

"It's going good, Dr Akines wants to start me on some medication to help my mood swings and all that, but that won't be for a few more weeks," Aurelia replied, "My next appointment is in two days, so I'll need Tuesday afternoon off, if that's alright".

"Yeah, I can cover that, no issue".

Simon felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. Upon retrieving it, he found a text from Rosh. Nudging Wilhelm gently, the young prince looked over, reading the text message silently. "It should be on soon," Simon whispered, "Should we tell the girls?"

"My parents are going to be pissed," Wilhelm replied, in the same hushed tone.

"Are you having second thoughts?"

Wilhelm took Simon's hand into his own. "Never," He promised. He cleared his throat, capturing both Evangeline's and Aurelia's attention quickly. "Can we turn on the tv? There's something on the news that I want you guys to see".

Aurelia raised an eyebrow as Evangeline went in search of the remote. "What did you do?" Aurelia questioned curiously. Wilhelm merely shrugged, while Simon tried to keep a straight face. Evangeline flicked on the tv, before retreating back to her seat at the table.

"In other news, an official statement from the palace has been made by Crown Prince Wilhelm of Sweden, addressing the recent rumors and video about his alleged relationship," The reporter announced. Evangeline's eyes were locked on the screen, while Aurelia looked back to Simon and Wilhelm, her mouth fallen open and her eyes wide. "The statement is as follows".

The news screen fluttered from the reporter to a pre-recorded video of Wilhelm, seated out the front of Rosknopp. "I would like to apologize for any and all confusion which has come about from the video. It was taken without my consent or my knowledge, by someone I was led to believe was acting within my best interest. My second cousin, August, is the person responsible for the release of the video. I would also like to clear up one more issue. I have previously stated it was not me in that video; this isn't true. I wish to take full responsibility for my part in this, and to also formally announce my relationship with Simon Eriksson. I ask that the media allows Simon and I our privacy. Thank you".

Evangeline switched the tv off, as she turned to face her two friends. Aurelia was in shock; she sat, her mouth hanging out, her eyes about to pop out of her skull. "You do understand that you just fucked over yourself, him-" Evangeline jerked her head in Simon's direction, "His entire family, August, probably Hillerska, because they were all in on the whole secret, and your whole family, yes?" She asked in a matter-of-fact tone.

Wilhelm and Simon nodded silently.

"Just checking," Evangeline added.

Wilhelm glanced anxiously to Aurelia. "I am so fucking proud of you," She exclaimed, before raising her hand, "High five, let's go". Wilhelm broke out a smile before happily complying.

"So what happens now?" Evangeline asked, "Now that it's out?"

Wilhelm shrugged, while Simon offered no reply. "All hell breaks loose, I guess," Wilhelm replied, "We know the media isn't going to let it go easily, and my parents are probably going to be super angry about it, making an announcement without their go ahead. Might have to avoid them for a while".

"You can always stay with me," Simon offered.

"You say it like that's what I haven't already been doing".

The two boys broke out into giggles, as Evangeline added in, "You're always welcome here, for at Aurelia's. Don't forget that, Wille. You've got people in your corner. Besides," She continued, "if it all goes to shit they'll have to deal with me".

"You are such a mum!" Aurelia exclaimed, earning herself a playful slap from Evangeline.

"I take that as a compliment, someone has to protect you fuckers. Leave you to your own devices and the world will explode. Look at these two!" She gestured to Wilhelm and Simon, "Goes and makes an announcement without telling anyone. The world is going to explode, I'm telling you".

"Alright, mama Evans," Aurelia laughed, as Wilhelm tried to look as innocent as possible. "But seriously," Aurelia added, "We are very proud of you. It couldn't have been easy to do".

"It wasn't. But I'm glad I did," Wilhelm replied, "I'm also glad that everyone knows that August is responsible. I don't like lying; people deserve the truth".

"That they do," Simon agreed.

"To Wilhelm and Simon!" Evangeline exclaimed, holding her glass up for a toast.

"Wilmon!" Aurelia agreed, as Simon shook his head, though he did raise his glass.

"You are not seriously calling us that".

"Wanna take bets?"

Wilhelm couldn't help but take a step back from the dinner. Everyone was laughing and cheerful; everything was alright once again. He wondered how long it would take for everything to become fucked up again. Aurelia's enrollment had gone through for Hillerska - she started next term, when everyone went back. Evangeline was in the midst of hiring a new barista; with Aurelia going to school again, she could only do weekends and afternoons.

Wilhelm's mind couldn't help but wander to the possible hardships which were to follow. He reminded himself that he would get through them.

As it was, he had people in his corner now. 

_________

(1000 words)

and that, my friends, is the end of MANIA!